The 5th National Spice Conference (NSC) 2026 concluded on September 20 at the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, Rajasthan, bringing together stakeholders from across India’s spice value chain.
Organised by the World Spice Organisation (WSO), the not-for-profit technical partner of the All-India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), the two-day conference was held on September 19–20 under the theme “Empowering Farmers, Protecting Consumers.”
The conference brought together farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), processors, exporters, regulators, researchers, technology providers and other stakeholders. Discussions focused on farmer incomes, food safety, responsible sourcing, sustainability, innovation and market access.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing technologies and indigenous agri-products, along with a dedicated Buyer–Seller Meet aimed at creating stronger market linkages between producers and buyers.
Speaking at the conclusion of the conference, Ramkumar Menon, Chairman, World Spice Organisation, said, “NSC 2026 has brought the different stakeholders of the spice value chain together around two priorities that are closely connected: enabling farmers to create greater value from their produce and ensuring that consumers can place greater trust in the spices they use. The discussions over the two days have highlighted the importance of stronger farm-level practices, responsible sourcing, food safety, innovation and market linkages. The focus now is on carrying these conversations forward through meaningful collaboration and action across the value chain.”
The second day began with a session on Changing Regulations in Organic Farming & Certifications, which examined the evolving certification landscape and its impact on farmers and other stakeholders. This was followed by a discussion on the Role of FPOs in Consumer Protection and Food Safety, highlighting the role of farmer organisations in improving quality and compliance at the farm level.
Manoj Kumar Menon, CEO, ICCOA, said, “India’s organic sector has come a long way from being a niche segment. With organic exports growing from INR 67 crore in 2005 to over INR 5,400 crore in 2025, the sector has significant potential for further growth. However, as global markets and regulations evolve, strengthening certification, maintaining credibility and ensuring compliance will be critical to sustaining this momentum.”
The programme also included a session on Buyers’ Requirements, where Mr. Ganapathy K D, Business Committee Chairman, NSC 2026, outlined key considerations for producers and FPOs in responding to changing market expectations. The conference concluded with the Buyer–Seller Meet, providing opportunities for producers and buyers to connect and explore market opportunities.
Across the two days, discussions covered farmer empowerment and income growth, sustainability, responsible sourcing, food safety, consumer protection, innovation, crop outlook, organic farming and certifications, FPOs and changing market requirements.
Participants also explored emerging solutions in areas such as digital traceability, post-harvest infrastructure, farm-level technologies, testing and processing, warehousing and financing.
The National Spice Conference 2026 concluded with a focus on strengthening collaboration across the spice ecosystem and building stronger connections between farmers, FPOs, industry, regulators and buyers.
